Brockton pays tribute to Allie Colombo, Marciano's friend and trainer

A who's who of Brockton politics and boxing turned out Saturday for a tribute to Allie Colombo, who trained world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano. The event raised money for a bronze plaque in Colombo's honor that will be placed with the Marciano statue to be erected this year at the Brockton High School football field.

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

Writer

Posted Feb. 23, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Feb 23, 2010 at 11:13 PM

Posted Feb. 23, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Feb 23, 2010 at 11:13 PM

BROCKTON

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Click the arrow above to hearRichie Colombotalk about his brother Allie. Click on the arrow below to listen to Mike Pusateri.

A who's who of Brockton politics and boxing turned out Saturday for a tribute to Allie Colombo, who trained world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.

More than 200 people packed the function hall at Joe Angelo's Cafe to listen to stories about the two friends and to raise money for a bronze plaque in Colombo's honor. The marker will be placed with the Marciano statue to be erected this year at the Brockton High School football field.

Colombo died in an accident in January 1969 and Marciano died in a plane crash that August.

Roger Perron, a professional trainer, corner man, cut man and ring announcer, served as master of ceremonies. Perron recalled meeting Colombo and Marciano while bartending at the Club National, an old Brockton bar. “They were two of the most gracious people I ever met,” he recalled.

Among the politicians who participated were Sen. Tom Kennedy, Rep. Mike Brady, Mayor Linda Balzotti and City Councilors Todd Petti and Tom Monahan. Shayna Barnes of Cong. Stephen Lynch's office presented the family with a flag that flew over the Capitol.